Ryan Rath shares his journey from the military to a significant role in cybersecurity with Mandiant, discussing the challenges faced during the transition. Key topics include the importance of networking, the evolving skill sets required, and the ethical responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals, highlighting the need for mentorship and continuous learning.

• Ryan's military background and transition to cybersecurity
• The significance of networking in career development
• Challenges faced while applying for jobs in tech
• Importance of practical experience over certifications
• Skills needed within the cybersecurity landscape
• Ethical considerations in handling technology
• The role of mentorship and giving back to the community

Mentorship - sign up for a free session

Ryan Rath's LinkedIn Profile

Send us fan mail via text

Max Harley's journey into cybersecurity began unexpectedly with a childhood passion for video games, which sparked a deeper interest in programming and security. His competitive spirit emerged through capture-the-flag competitions, leading him to impactful roles at SpecterOps and Prelude, emphasizing mentorship, networking, and continuous learning in crafting a successful cybersecurity career.

• The spark of interest starting from video games and programming
• Importance of competitions like Pico CTF and CCDC in developing skills
• The role of mentorship and networking in career advancement
• Experiences in red teaming and offensive security
• Transitioning thoughts on proactive cybersecurity and evaluative metrics

Mentorship - sign up for a free session

Max Harley's LinkedIn Profile
Max's talk at BSides Charleston 2024

Send us fan mail via text

This episode features insights from two esteemed CISOs, Frank DePaola and Andrew Wilder, sharing their journeys into cybersecurity, the importance of mentorship, and essential leadership traits. They discuss the evolving role of a CISO, the need for business acumen, and the vital balance required between technical prowess and organizational needs.

• Frank DePaola and Andrew Wilder share their unique career paths in cybersecurity
• Importance of mentorship in career development and growth
• Insights into balancing technical skills and business acumen for aspiring CISOs
• Current challenges faced by CISOs in a rapidly evolving threat landscape
• Tools and resources that help CISOs maintain organizational security
• The personal rewards and sense of purpose found in the CISO role

If you're looking for personalized mentorship, click the link below to sign up for a free consultation with us. During this session, we'll talk about your goals, your challenges, and how we can better help you. This may include reviewing resumes, career advice, and setting up action plans tailored for your needs.

• Mentorship - sign up for a free session
• Frank DePaola's LinkedIn Profile
• Andrew Wilder's LinkedIn Profile

Send us fan mail via text

Welcome to the kickoff of Season 2 of the Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast! This season begins with an exciting collaboration with the Simply Cyber Media Group, bringing you inspiring personal journeys and emphasizing the transformative power of mentorship in cybersecurity. In this episode, John and Steve open up about their career paths, share their aspirations, and provide practical advice for anyone looking to build and grow a career in this dynamic field. We'll also dive into what this podcast is all about and reveal some of the exciting plans we have in store for this season!

• Introduction of the hosts and podcast vision
• John’s journey from IT support to CISO
• Steve's experience starting from an intern to deputy CISO
• Emphasizing mentorship and real-world experience
• Importance of networking and soft skills alongside technical skills
• Sneak peek into Season Two and future topics
• Call for listener engagement and community connection

Send us fan mail via text

In this episode, we recap season one. We talk about lessons learned during our first season of the podcast, each of our favorite episodes, the top downloaded episodes of the year, reveal the countries that listen to us the most, and tease our season two plans for 2025, including exciting new collaborations that are in the works.

You can connect with us and leave us feedback in the following ways:

• Sign up for our newsletter.
• Join us on Discord at Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast.
• Check out our YouTube channel and leave us a comment.
• Follow our LinkedIn page.

Or use the texting feature below to send us a one-way fan mail.

Send us fan mail via text

Join us for an exhilarating episode as cybersecurity pioneer Dave Kennedy, co-founder of TrustedSec and Binary Defense, shares his incredible journey from a curious kid in Cleveland to a leader in the cybersecurity industry. Discover how Dave transformed his passion for technology from dismantling toys to building computers, and how iconic films like "Back to the Future 2" and "Hackers" inspired his career path. Dave takes us through his time in military intelligence with the Marines, where he honed his skills in cyber warfare and forensics, leading to a successful transition into the private sector.

Dave's story is more than just a career path; it's a testament to the power of mentorship, community, and helping others. Get a sneak peek into the unique atmosphere at TrustedSec, complete with a Back to the Future movie artifacts and a TARDIS from Doctor Who. Listen as Dave emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships and fostering collaboration to implement effective security programs, sharing invaluable insights into overcoming the experience gap faced by new graduates entering the cybersecurity field.

This episode is packed with inspiring anecdotes and practical advice for anyone passionate about cybersecurity. Whether it's starting a successful company, creating community initiatives like DerbyCon, or navigating the challenges of a demanding industry, Dave's commitment to innovation and passion for nurturing young talent shine through. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the field's most influential figures and discover how emerging technologies like AI and machine learning are shaping the future of cybersecurity.

Send us fan mail via text

In this episode John shares an upcoming talk that he gave at the Simply Cyber Con '24 in Charleston, SC.

Title: From Technical to Tactical: Storytelling Skills to Level Up Your Cybersecurity Career

Description:

In the fast-paced and complex world of cybersecurity, technical expertise alone isn't enough to stand out. What if you could turn your experiences into compelling stories that not only capture attention but also propel your career forward? Drawing on the transformative principles from Matthew Dicks' acclaimed book Storyworthy, this talk will explore how cybersecurity professionals can harness the power of storytelling to connect with peers, present to leadership, and advance their careers.

We'll dive into key concepts like "The Five-Second Moment" and "Homework for Life," and show how these techniques can be applied to your cybersecurity journey. Whether you're looking to improve your networking, make a lasting impression in interviews, or establish yourself as a thought leader, mastering the art of storytelling is your secret weapon. Join me to learn how to craft narratives that not only resonate but also elevate your professional trajectory in cybersecurity.

Send us fan mail via text

In this episode we sit down with Joe Hudson, Director of Growth at TCM Security, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in cybersecurity job hunting. With experience on both sides of the cybersecurity job market, Joe shares his personal journey from teaching to recruiting, and ultimately into cybersecurity. He provides actionable advice for job seekers, from the importance of networking to decoding job descriptions, as well as tips on working with recruiters and preparing for interviews.

Key Takeaways:

• Joe’s unique path from a teaching career to a successful role in cybersecurity.
• The role of mentorship and networking in breaking into cybersecurity.
• How to approach recruiters and build lasting professional relationships.
• Strategies for applying to cybersecurity jobs, including navigating job descriptions and identifying red flags.
• Preparing for interviews and the importance of standing out with authenticity.
• Joe’s insights on the evolving cybersecurity landscape and what it takes to thrive in this field.

Connect with Joe Hudson:

• LinkedIn: Joe Hudson
• Email: jhudson@tcm-sec.com

Join Our Community:

• Discord: Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast Community
• LinkedIn: Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast
• Newsletter

Send us fan mail via text